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Oil Sands - Issues and Opportunities
Oil sands development is both a costly and technically complex business with potential for environmental impact due to land use, water consumption and air emissions such as carbon dioxide. Shell works diligently to reduce environmental and socio-economic impact on communities affected by our operations.
Economics
Shell’s oil sands operations are not just a major contributor to meeting Canada’s energy needs, but to the country’s economic wellbeing.
Water
Bitumen extraction depends on water to wash the bitumen out of the oil sands. For Shell’s oil sands mining operations, the primary source of fresh water for oil production is the Athabasca River.
Community
Given the 40 to 50 year life of oil sands operations, Shell has a long-term interest in the growth and well-being of the communities in which we operate.
Land and Reclamation
Shell’s Muskeg River Mine has only been operating since 2003 but our land reclamation plan was initiated the first day we started digging.
Carbon Dioxide
Improving energy efficiency, while reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions, continues to be a top priority at Shell.
Tailings
Tailings are the residual by-product that remains after the bitumen is separated from the mined oil sands ore.
New Technology
Shell invested in the oil sands more than 50 years ago. The Athabasca Oil Sands Project combines the best practices of our predecessors with new technology.
